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We have measured the Raman spectra of Sb doped (ZrTe[sub 5-χ]Sb[sub χ]; 0<χ<0.25) and Hf doped (Zr[sub y]Hf[sub 1-y]Te[sub 5]; 0

Human land use alters soil microbial composition and function in a variety of systems, although few comparable studies have been done in tropical forests and tropical agricultural production areas. Logging and the expansion of oil palm agriculture are two of the most significant drivers of tropical deforestation, and the latter is most prevalent in Southeast Asia. The aim of this study was to compare soil fungal communities from three sites in Malaysia that represent three of the most dominant land-use types in the Southeast Asia tropics: a primary forest, a regenerating forest that had been selectively logged 50 years previously, and a 25-year-old oil palm plantation. Soil cores were collected from three replicate plots at each site, and fungal communities were sequenced using the Illumina platform. Extracellular enzyme assays were assessed as a proxy for soil microbial function. We found that fungal communities were distinct across all sites, although fungal composition in the regenerating forest was more similar to the primary forest than either forest community was to the oil palm site. Ectomycorrhizal fungi, which are important associates of the dominant Dipterocarpaceae tree family in this region, were compositionally distinct across forests, but were nearly absent from oil palm soils. Extracellular enzyme assays indicated that the soil ecosystem in oil palm plantations experienced altered nutrient cycling dynamics, but there were few differences between regenerating and primary forest soils. Together, these results show that logging and the replacement of primary forest with oil palm plantations alter fungal community and function, although forests regenerating from logging had more similarities with primary forests in terms of fungal composition and nutrient cycling potential. Since oil palm agriculture is currently the mostly rapidly expanding equatorial crop and logging is pervasive across tropical ecosystems, these findings may have broad applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the independent associations between physical activity (PA), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), abdominal obesity and insulin action in obese women. We studied 141 abdominally obese women (waist circumference (WC): 106.4 ± 10.2 cm). PA duration (min/day) and intensity (counts/min) were obtained by accelerometry. CRF was measured using a treadmill. WC was measured at the iliac crest; abdominal adiposity was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Glucose and insulin measures were obtained during a 75-g, 2-h glucose tolerance test. The homeostasis model of assessment iHOMA2-IS was used to estimate insulin sensitivity. PA duration and intensity were not associated with glucose or insulin metabolism ( p > 0.05). However, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) duration was associated with fasting insulin and iHOMA2-IS ( p < 0.01). CRF was associated with fasting insulin and iHOMA2-IS ( r = 0.27, p ≤ 0.01), whereas WC was associated with fasting insulin ( r = 0.50, p < 0.01) and iHOMA2-IS ( r = -0.52, p ≤ 0.01). Following adjustment for CRF, MVPA, and age, WC remained associated with fasting glucose, insulin, 2-h glucose and iHOMA2-IS ( r = -0.44, p ≤ 0.01). CRF was associated with fasting glucose as well as 1- and 2-h glucose ( r = 0.24, p < 0.01) after adjusting for WC, MVPA, and age. MVPA was not associated with glucose or insulin measures after control for CRF and WC ( p > 0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that CRF and WC combined mediated the relationship between MVPA and both glucose tolerance and insulin resistance ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, among abdominally obese women, WC and CRF are independently associated with measures of glucose tolerance and insulin resistance and mediate the association between MVPA and insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The dies used in the extrusion of nickel based super alloys are subject to severe mechanical and thermal stresses, resulting in shortened life and high manufacturing costs. It is necessary to understand the dominant damage mode in order to guide improvements for increased tool life. The operation under examination consists of the hot extrusion of a nickel based superalloy using nitrided hot work tool steel, glassed workpieces and graphite lubrication. The investigation was conducted through a combination of metallurgical analysis, metrology and finite element analysis. Out of the damage modes observed under these conditions, the plastic deformation of the substrate was found to be the cause for tool failure. This paper discusses the relationship between plastic deformation of the substrate and the formation of scoring marks, which fail the die. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ROSS, R., and K. A. MCGUIRE. Incidental Physical Activity Is Positively Associated with Cardiorespiratory Fitness. Med. Sci Sports Exerc., Vol. 43, No. 11, pp. 2189-2194, 2011. Purpose: The primary aim was to determine whether incidental physical activity (IPA), expressed either as duration or intensity, was associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Methods: Participants were inactive abdominally obese men (n = 43, waist circumference ≥ 102 cm) and women (n = 92, waist circumference ≥ 88 cm) recruited from Kingston, Canada. IPA (> 100 counts per minute) was determined by accelerometry during 7 d and categorized into duration (min.d[sup -1]) and intensity (counts per minute), In secondary analyses, IPA was further categorized as light physical activity (LPA, 100-1951 counts per minute) and sporadic moderate physical activity (MPA, ≥1952 counts per minute accumulated in bouts <10 consecutive minutes). CRF was assessed using a maximal treadmill exercise test. Results: Participants accumulated 308.2 ± 98.x (mean ± SD) min of IPA per day of which 14.2 ± 13.5 min was spent in sporadic MPA. Mean CRF was 26.8 ± 4.7 mL.kg[sup -1] body weight.min[sup -1]. IPA duration was positively associated with CRF in the univariate model (r[sup 2] = 0.03, P < 0.05) and alter control lot gender and body mass index (r[sup 2] = 0.53, P<0.01) Likewise. IPA intensity was positively associated with CRF in univariate (r[sup 2] = 0.18, P < 0.001) and multivariate analyses (r[sup 2] = 0.56, P< 0.01). After further control for each other. IPA duration was not associaled with CRF (P = 0.05), whereas IPA intensity remained a significant predictor (r[sup 2] = 0.57, P < 0.001). In secondary analyses, LPA was not associated with CRF (P > 0.05). Sporadic MPA was associaled with CRF (r[sup 2] = 0.20, P < 0.001) and remained a positive correlate after control for gender, body mass index, and the other physical activity variables (r[sup 2] = 0.60, P < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, both duration and intensity of IPA were positively associated with CRF among inactive abdominally obese adults. Sporadic MPA, but not LPA, was an independent predictor of CRF. Key Words: HABITUAL ACTIVITY, RISK FACTORS. MORTALITY. MORBIDITY [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to determine whether time spent in sedentary behaviors (SED) was associated with 2-hour glucose and insulin resistance in adults with abdominal obesity. We also examined the association between light physical activity (LPA) and sporadic (accumulated in bouts ,10 minutes in duration) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with glucose metabolism. Methods: Participants were 135 inactive, abdominally obese adults recruited from Kingston, Canada. SED and physical activity were determined by accelerometry over 7 days and summarized as SED (accelerometer counts/min ,100), LPA (counts/min 100-1951), and MVPA (counts/min &GES;1952). A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was used to ascertain 2-hour glucose; the homeostasis model of assessment was used to determine insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); lipid, lipoproteins and blood pressure were determined using standard protocols. Secondary analyses considered the association between SED and physical activity with other cardiometabolic risk factors Results: Participants spent 627.2682.9 min/d in SED, 289.0691.7 min/d in LPA and 19.2±13.5 min/d in MVPA. Neither SED nor the physical activity variables were associated with 2-hour glucose or HOMA-IR (p.0.05). In secondary analyses, SED was not associated with any cardiometabolic risk factor (p.0.1); with the exception of blood pressure (p,0.05), LPA was not associated with any cardiometabolic risk factor (p.0.1); and MVPA was independently associated with total cholesterol and triglycerides (p,0.05). Conclusions: Objectively measured SED was not associated with 2-hr glucose or HOMA-IR. Our findings also suggest that the accumulation of LPA and sporadic MVPA is not associated with glucose metabolism in adults with abdominal obesity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well-established that increasing physical activity (PA) is important for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although it has been demonstrated that PA predicts CVD independent of commonly measured cardiometabolic risk factors in women, it is unclear whether this association is true in men. The study participants consisted of 5,882 adults (age ≥18 years) from the 1999 to 2004 United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Blood pressure, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, and waist circumference were categorized using standard clinical thresholds. The participants were divided into the following groups according to the volume of their moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA: active (≥150 min/wk), somewhat active (30 to 149 min/wk), and inactive (<30 min/wk). Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios for CVD according to PA. After controlling for the basic confounders (age, gender, race, smoking), inactive participants were 52% (95% confidence interval 16% to 98%) more likely than the active participants to have CVD. Additional adjustment for cardiometabolic risk factors did not change the odds ratio for CVD in the inactive group. To further delineate the effects of PA on CVD, the participants were cross-classified according to their PA level and their number of cardiometabolic risk factors. Both PA and cardiometabolic risk factors were independent predictors of CVD (Ptrend <0.0001). The results were not modified by gender. In conclusion, PA was associated with CVD, independent of the common cardiometabolic risk factors, in men and women. The association between PA and CVD risk was not mediated by the measured cardiometabolic risk factors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bacterial communities in eight 16S rDNA clone libraries from calcareous sediments were investigated to provide an assessment of the bacterial diversity on sediments of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and to investigate differences due to decreased water quality. Sample effort was spread across two locations on each of four coral reefs, with two reefs located nearshore and two reefs on the outer shelf to allow robust statistical comparison of nearshore reefs (subjected to enhanced runoff) and outer shelf reefs (pristine conditions). Out of 221 non-chimeric sequences, 189 (85.5%) were unique and only one sequence occurred in more than one library. Rarefaction analyses and coverage calculations indicated that only a small fraction of the diversity was sampled. Cluster analyses and comparison to published sequences indicated that sequences retrieved belonged to the α, γ and δ subdivision of the Proteobacteria (6.8, 29.4 and 13.6% of the total, respectively), Cytophaga-Flavobacteria-Bacteroidetes (CFB) group (20.4%), Cyanobacteria (5.4%), Planctomycetaceae (7.7%), Verrucomicrobiaceae (6.8%), Acidobacteriaceae (2.7%). Analysis of Similarity (ANOSIM, based on grouping all retrieved sequences into 9 phylogenetic groups) indicated that subtle differences do exist in the community composition between nearshore and outer shelf reefs. Similarity percentage analysis (SIMPER) indicated that Acidobacteriaceae and Cyanobacteriaceae were the main contributors to the dissimilarity. A significant difference between bacteria on nearshore and outer shelf reefs also existed on the molecular level (F ST =0.008, p =0.007 for all samples, 0.006, p =0.022 when repeated sequences within libraries were removed). Thus, bacterial communities on carbonate sediments investigated were highly diverse and differences in community composition may provide important leads for the search for indicator species or communities for water quality differences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are cell-surface signalling molecules that recognize a range of highly conserved pathogen molecules and instigate the appropriate immune response. Here, we report the mapping of all 10 characterized bovine TLR genes using a radiation hybrid panel. The genomic organization of the bovine TLRs is similar to that of humans and mice. TLR1, TLR6 and TLR10 map closely together on Bos taurus chromosome 6 (BTA6), while TLR7 and TLR8 map to the X chromosome. TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5 and TLR9 map to BTA17, BTA27, BTA8, BTA16 and BTA22 respectively. Our increased knowledge of the genomic organization of the bovine TLR genes may promote our understanding of their evolution and help in the identification of bovine genes underlying disease-resistance traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A systematic study was carried out to dope single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) bundles with varying amounts of boron using the pulsed laser vaporization technique. Targets containing boron concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 10at.% boron were prepared by mixing elemental boron with carbon paste and the Co/Ni catalysts. The laser-generated products that were obtained from these targets were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), thermoelectric power (TEP) measurements, and Raman scattering experiments. Electron microscopy and Raman studies revealed that the presence of various levels of boron concentration in the target strongly affected the products that were prepared. SWNTs were found in the products prepared from targets containing up through 3at.% boron, and high resolution EELS estimated that less than 0.05–0.1at.% boron is present in the SWNT lattice. The absence of SWNT bundles in the products derived from targets containing more than 3at.% boron implies that the presence of excess boron in the carbon plume severely inhibits the carbon nanotube growth. The overall effect of the boron incorporation primarily leads to: (i) a systematic increase in intensity of the disorder-induced band (D-band) upon boron doping, with increasing D-band intensity observed for higher doping levels, (ii) a systematic downshift in the G′-band frequency due the relatively weaker C–B bond, and (iii) a non-linear variation in the RBM and G′-band intensities which is attributed to shifts in resonance conditions in the doped tubes. Resonant Raman spectroscopy thus provides large changes in the intensity of prominent features even when the dopant concentration is below the detectable limit of EELS (0.05–0.1at.%). Thermoelectric power data also provide complementary evidence for the presence of a small boron concentration in the SWNT lattice which transforms the SWNTs into a permanently p-type material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The average parallel resistivity and the location of the q=1 surface are found to be consistent with the predictions of neoclassical transport theory and inconsistent with classical resistivity (uncorrected for toroidal effects) for Ohmic plasmas in the TFTR tokamak [Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research 1986 (IAEA, Vienna, 1987), Vol. I, p. 51], both in near-equilibrium and during ramping of the plasma current. These observations are incompatible with theories predicting anomalous parallel resistivity in concert with anomalous perpendicular transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) activity within three zones (core, half-radius, and edge) of TFTR [Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research 1986 (IAEA, Vienna, 1987), Vol. 1, p. 51 ] tokamak plasmas are discussed. Near the core of the plasma column, sawteeth are often observed. Two types of sawteeth are studied in detail; one with complete, and the other with incomplete, magnetic reconnection. Their characteristics are determined by the shape of the q profile. Near the half-radius the m/n = 3/2 and 2/1 resistive ballooning modes are found to correlate with a beta collapse. The pressure and the pressure gradient at the mode rational surface are found to play an important role in stability. MHD activity is also studied at the plasma edge during limiter H modes. The edge localized modes (ELM's) are found to have a precursor mode with a frequency between 50-500 kHz and a mode number m/n = 1/0. The mode does not show a ballooning structure. While these instabilities have been studied on many other machines, on TFTR the studies have been extended to high pressure (plasma i e pressure greater than 4 × 10[sup 5] Pa) and low collisionality [v[sup i, sub *] (a/2) < 0.002, v[sup e, sub *] (a/2) < 0.01 ]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines bursts of electron cyclotron emission (ECE) during sudden terminations of high beta discharges in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor tokamak. Scenario of disruption for high beta discharges; Characterization of bursts of ECE during discharge disruptions; Modification of electron distribution function due to rapid thermal quench.

The Mirnov coil array, the horizontal soft x-ray camera, and the ECE (electron cyclotron emission) grating polychromator are used to unfold the structure of m ≥ 2 coherent magnetic fluctuations (assumed to be tearing modes) observed in TFTR. The modes are found predominantly in the enhanced confinement, or supershot, regime, and when present seriously degrade confinement. The poloidal and toroidaI mode numbers (m and n) are determined with the Mirnov coil array. The radial structure is found by calculating the theoretical radial eigenmode (based on the calculated current-density profile) and scaling the resulting linear eigenmode with the measured fluctuation amplitude at the plasma edge. The presence of rotating magnetic islands is detected as fluctuations on both the chord-averaged soft-x-ray emissivity measurements and the fast grating polychromator electron temperature measurements. The ECE and soft-x-ray systems are used to identify coherent modes as islands and confirm estimates of the islands' location inferred from the Mirnov coil data and calculated current-density profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes the beta limit disruptions in high-performance plasmas in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor. Magnetohydrodynamic character of the disruptions; Occurrence of the high beta disruptions with less than a millisecond warning in the form of a fast growing precursor.

A circular disk resonator is used to study the gas sensing properties of carbon nanotubes. It detects the presence of gases based on the change in the dielectric constant rather than electrical conductivity of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) upon gas exposure. A conducting circular disk is coated with electric arc prepared SWNTs and degassed by heating under a high vacuum. It exhibits noticeable shifts in resonant frequency to both polar (NH[sub 3] and CO) and nonpolar gases (He, Ar, N[sub 2], and O[sub 2]). Gas concentrations as low as 100 ppm can be detected using this sensor configuration. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of four saddle coils has been added to TFTR. In addition, the TFTR Mirnov loop system has been enhanced through the addition of low drift analog integrators allowing direct, local measurement of the poloidal field. The upper frequency response of these systems is limited by the optical isolation electronics to 5 kHz. These new diagnostics are used for the detection and identification of low-frequency (or locked) MHD modes. Additionally, the integrated Mirnov coil signals can be used in the determination of the global equilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluctuations with a dominant poloidal structure involving the intact displacement of the center of the discharge play a significant role in tokamak discharges. A technique for the deductive analysis of their structures, which involve multiple harmonics due to the multipole moments, is desired. This paper describes (1) a method for the inversion of line integral data from a single view of a rotating plasma based on a harmonic decomposition of the poloidal structure, and (2) some techniques for determining critical parameters by inspection. A simulation program generates sample data based on the assumption ora slowly evolving plasma with a displaced central hot spot and a plateau near the radius of the "q = 1" surface. The sample data are decomposed into time windows to permit reconstruction of the profiles every few rotations. Results of the reconstructions are compared to the source data. Applicability of the techniques to experimental tokamak data is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The horizontal x-ray imaging system (XIS) on the tokamak fusion test reactor (TFTR) tokamak is an array of 64 silicon surface-barrier x-ray diodes, with a 2.5-cm spatial resolution. The XIS system is primarily used to study magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities, but has also been used to measure electron thermal diffusivity, electron temperature, the radius of the q = 1 surface, plasma vertical position, and toroidal rotation of the plasma. Movable absorber-foil arrays provide energy selection. Bandpass analog filters and digital techniques have been used on the x-ray signals in an attempt to infer turbulence levels in the plasmas. Details of the above techniques will be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To examine the effect of acute and short-term (∼1 week) aerobic exercise training on plasma adiponectin levels in inactive, abdominally obese men. Materials and Methods. Inactive and abdominally obese men (n = 38, waist circumference ⩾102 cm) recruited from Kingston, Canada were randomly allocated to perform three bouts of aerobic treadmill exercise at either low (50% VO2 peak) or high (75% VO2 peak) intensity during a 1-week period. Blood samples were taken before and after the first exercise session and 24-72 hours following the completion of the final exercise session. Results. Adiponectin levels were elevated immediately following an acute bout of exercise at both high and low intensities (High: 5.79±0.42 versus 5.05±0.41 ug/mL; Low: 5.24 ± 0.44 versus 4.37 ± 0.44 ug/mL, P < 0.05) and remained elevated following 30 minutes of rest. In comparison to baseline, adiponectin levels were also elevated 24-72 hours following the final exercise session (High: 5.47 ± 0.48 versus 4.88 ± 0.48 ug/mL; Low: 5.18±0.49 versus 4.47±0.49 ug/mL,P < 0.05). Conclusion. Both acute and short-term aerobic exercise result in a significant increase in plasma adiponectin levels in inactive, abdominally obese men independent of intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first wall of TFTR is covered in large part (23%) by an inner-wall bumper limiter which is the primary power handling structure in TFTR. The limiter is comprised of more than 2000 tiles, and is instrumented with a large number (>100) of thermocouples in a two-dimensional (2D) array, primarily for protection of the wall. While only about 5% of the tiles are monitored, this thermocouple system is nevertheless capable of mapping details in the nonaxisymmetric, as well as symmetric, heat load patterns encountered under different conditions. In particular, helical heating patterns are observed in discharges which have locked modes. The helical patterns clearly match the expected trajectories based on the m/n mode numbers obtained from Mirnov coils (m/n=2/1 and 4/1), so that the thermocouple system can and was used to identify the existence and mode number of a locked mode. While TFTR discharges rarely suffer from locked modes, locked modes always alter the heating pattern. The locked modes are found to very significantly redistribute the heat load for both ohmic and NBI heated discharges. Locked modes can make what were the coldest areas into the hottest areas, and vice versa. Locked modes also can alter the heat pattern resulting from the frequent disruptions which occur as a result of a locked mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic pick-up loops (Mirnov coils) located on the inner wall of the tokamak fusion test reactor (TFTR) vacuum vessel have been used to study magnetic fluctuations in the plasma. To study the high-frequency magnetic turbulence associated with beam injection, the signal from one coil is passed through a comb filter, which gives a measure of the frequency spectrum throughout the shot. To look for tearing modes, the signals from a poloidal array of 15 coils are summed in an analog system to give the amplitudes of the m = 2, 3, and 4 coherent modes throughout the shot. Additionally, 20 coil signals are digitized individually at a rate of 100 kHz for 80 ms and at 10 kHz for 800 ms. These data may also be analyzed off line to get both the toroidal and poloidal mode numbers as well as the frequency spectrum for a limited portion of the discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poorly designed and maintained forest road stream crossings can directly link erosion sources to streams. Forestry best management practices (BMPs) provide techniques that are useful for preventing sedimentation associated with ditch erosion. However, few studies have quantified ditch BMP sediment reductions. Thus, our primary objective was to evaluate erosion control effectiveness due to ditch BMPs and secondarily to quantify ditch BMP implementation costs. Sixty ditch segments near stream crossings were reconstructed, and five ditch BMP treatments were applied using a completely randomized design resulting in 11 to 13 replications per treatment. Ditch BMP treatments were (1) bare ditch (Bare), (2) grass seed with lime fertilizer (Seed), (3) grass seed with lime fertilizer and erosion control mat (Mat), (4) rock check dams (Dam), and (5) completely rocked (Rock). Silt fence sediment traps and sediment pins were measured over one year to determine treatment effectiveness. Trapped sediment deposits indicated that median erosion rates were greatest for Dam (6.14 Mg ha-1 y-1 [2.74 tn ac-1 yr-1]), followed by Bare (4.92 Mg ha-1 y-1 [2.19 tn ac-1 yr-1]), Rock (1.73 Mg ha-1 y-1 [0.77 tn ac-1 yr-1]), Seed (1.04 Mg ha-1 y-1 [0.46 tn ac-1 y-1]), and Mat (0.82 Mg ha-1 y-1 [0.37 tn ac-1 yr-1]). Results suggested that Mat treatments had significantly lower erosion rates than Bare and Dam, while Rock and Seed provided intermediate levels. Costs of BMP treatments were least expensive for Seed (US$6.10 approach-1), followed by Mat (US$21.33 approach-1), Dam (US$71.43 approach-1), and Rock (US$141.08 approach-1). Results suggest that erosion began to accelerate disproportionately when bare soil levels were between 30% and 50%; therefore, minimum soil cover of 50% is recommended for ditches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion and sediment delivery models have been developed to estimate the inherent complexities of soil erosion, but most models are not specifically modified for forest operation applications. Three erosion models, the Universal Soil Loss Equation for forestry (USLE-Forest), Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation Version 2 (RUSLE2), and Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP), were compared to one year of trapped sediment data for 37 forest haul road stream crossings. We assessed model performance from five variations of the three erosion models: USLE-Roadway, USLE-Soil Survey, RUSLE2, WEPP-Default, and WEPP-Modified. Each road approach was categorized into one of four levels of erosion (very low, low, moderate, and high) based on trapped erosion rate data and erosion rates reported in recent peerreviewed literature. Model performance metrics included: (1) summary statistics and nonparametric analysis, (2) linear relationships, (3) percent agreement within erosion categories and tolerable error ranges, and (4) contingency table metrics. Sediment trap data varied from negligible (<0.1) to hundreds of Mg ha-1 year-1. The soil erosion models evaluated could estimate erosion within 5 Mg ha-1 year-1 for most approaches having erosion rates less than 11.2 Mg ha-1 year-1, while models estimates varied widely for approaches that eroded at rates above 11.2 Mg ha-1 year-1. Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analyses revealed that only WEPP-Modified estimates were not significantly different from trapped sediment data (p ≥ 0.107). While WEPP-Modified ranked best for most model performance metrics, the time, effort, modeling expertise, and uncertainty associated with model results may discourage the use of WEPP as a forest management tool. WEPP is better suited for researchers and government agencies that have the capability to measure extensive parameter data. Additional sensitivity analysis is needed to expand default parameters for forest roads within the WEPP and USLE models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) infection of macrophages results in rapid secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and is dependent on the inflammasome components NLRP3 and ASC and the catalytic activity of caspase-1. Using lentivirus-expressed short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and competitive inhibitors, we show that Ad-induced IL-1β release is dependent upon Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) sensing of the Ad5 double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome in human cell lines and primary monocyte-derived macrophages but not in mouse macrophages. Additionally, a temperature-sensitive mutant of Ad5 unable to penetrate endosomal membranes, ts1, is unable to induce IL-1β release in TLR2-primed THP-1 cells, suggesting that penetration of endosomal membranes is required for IL-1β release. Disruption of lysosomal membranes and the release of cathepsin B into the cytoplasm are required for Ad-induced NLRP3 activation. Ad5 cell entry also induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and inhibitors of ROS prevent Ad-induced IL-1β release. Ad5 activation of NLRP3 also induces necrotic cell death, resulting in the release of the proinflammatory molecule HMGB1. This work further defines the mechanisms of virally induced inflammasome activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective analysis of a population-based insurance claims data set.Objective: To determine the risk of repeat fusion and total costs associated with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) use in single-level lumbar fusion for degenerative spinal disease.Summary Of Background Data: The use of BMP has been proposed to reduce overall costs of spinal fusion through prevention of repeat fusion procedures. Although radiographic fusion rates associated with BMP use have been examined in clinical trials, few data exist regarding outcomes associated with BMP use in the general population.Methods: Using the MarketScan claims data set, 15,862 patients that underwent single-level lumbar fusion from 2003 to 2007 for degenerative disease were identified. Propensity scores were used to match 2372 patients who underwent fusion with BMP to patients who underwent fusion without BMP. Logistic regression models, Kaplan-Meier estimates, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine risk of repeat fusion, length of stay, and 30-day readmission by BMP use. Cost comparisons were evaluated with linear regression models using logarithmic transformed data.Results: At 1 year from surgery, BMP was associated with a 1.1% absolute decrease in the risk of repeat fusion (2.3% with BMP vs. 3.4% without BMP, P = 0.03) and an odds ratio for repeat fusion of 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.47-0.94) after multivariate adjustment. BMP was also associated with a decreased hazard ratio for long-term repeat fusion (adjusted hazards ratio = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.58-0.93). Cost analysis indicated that BMP was associated with initial increased costs for the surgical procedure (13.9% adjusted increase, 95% CI = 9.9%-17.9%) as well as total 1-year costs (10.1% adjusted increase, 95% CI = 6.2%-14.0%).Conclusion: At 1 year, BMP use was associated with a decreased risk of repeat fusion but also increased health care costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast-cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic disease, and currently there is no definitive treatment for it. There are some therapeutic interventions targeted to decrease the limb swelling and the associated problems. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used in the treatment of post-mastectomy lymphedema since 2007 in the US. The aim of this study is to review our short-term experience with LLLT in the treatment of BCRL.Method: Seventeen BCRL patients referred to our lymphedema program between 2007 and 2009 were enrolled in this study. All patients had experienced at least one conventional treatment modality such as complex physical therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and/or pneumatic pump therapy. LLLT was added to patients' ongoing therapeutic regimen. All patients completed the full course of LLLT consisting of two cycles. The difference between sums of the circumferences of both affected and unaffected arms (ΔC), pain score, scar mobility, and range of motion were measured before and after first and second cycles of LLLT sequentially.Results: All patients were female with a median age of 51.8 (44-64) years. ΔC decreased 54% (15-85%) and 73% (33-100%), after the first and second cycles of LLLT, respectively. Fourteen out of seventeen experienced decreased pain with motion by an average of 40% (0-85%) and 62.7% (0-100%) after the first and second cycle of LLLT, respectively. Three patients had no improvement in pain after LLLT. Scar mobility increased in 13 (76.4%) and shoulder range of motion improved in 14 (82.3%) patients after LLLT. One patient developed cellulitis during LLLT.Conclusion: Patients with BCRL received additional benefits from LLLT when used in conjunction with standard lymphedema treatment. These benefits include reduction in limb circumference, pain, increase in range of motion and scar mobility. Additionally, two cycles of LLLT were found to be superior to one in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a community-based initiative that enhances hydrologic cycle measurements for future hydrologic research. The project involved the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Sciences Inc. Hydrologic science challenges identified by the Consortium include the human dimension for water cycle interactions with respect to water demand and availability, process-based feedbacks and linkages within the water cycle as a function of environmental changes, and interactions between the water cycle and the biosphere.

Composites of high molecular weight polyaniline (PANI) and various weight percentages of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) were fabricated using solution processing. Electrical characteristics of metal–semiconductor (MS) devices fabricated from the PANI/SWNT composites were studied. Current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of these devices indicate a significant increase in current with an increase in carbon nanotube concentration in the composite. The dominant transport mechanisms operating in these devices were investigated by plotting the forward I–V data on a log–log scale, which revealed two power-law regions with different exponents. In the lower voltage range, the exponent is approximately 1, implying that the charge transport mechanism is governed by Ohm''s law. The charge transport mechanism in the higher voltage range, where the exponent varies between 1.1 and 1.7, is consistent with space-charge-limited (SCL) emission in the presence of shallow traps. The critical voltage (Vc), which characterizes the onset of SCL conduction, decreases with increasing SWNT concentration. In addition, Vc was observed to increase with temperature. These initial results indicate that with further improvements in material consistency and reduction in defect densities, the polyaniline/single-walled carbon nanotube composite material can be used to fabricate organic electronic devices leading to many useful applications in microelectronics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Explains the results of diagnostic procedures used to measure stationary magnetic perturbation on Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR). Range of static magnetic field errors; Pairs of sensors.

Experiments have been performed in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor [D. M. Meade et al. in Plasma Physics Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research, 1990 (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1991), Vol. 1, p. 9] with neutral beam injection of up to 4 sec. duration, which is comparable to the time scale for resistive redistribution of the plasma current profile. These plasmas were created using a rapid decrease of the plasma current which initially created a plasma with enhanced stability and confinement. As the current profile evolved, a significantly reduced beta limit was observed. The high ∈β[sub p] plasmas had up to 90% of the current driven noninductively which significantly broadened the current profile during the long pulse lengths. These experiments demonstrated that high β[sub N] plasmas could not be sustained for times longer than the resistive relaxation of the outer current region which at early times after the current ramp-down carried negative current. At later times in lower β[sub N] discharges, beta collapses were sometimes observed as the current profile broadened at β[sub N]∼1.5. The appearance of disruptions was consistent with the predictions of ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) stability analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium-n (toroidal mode number) instabilities with ballooning characteristics were investigated using x-ray and electron-cyclotron emission (ECE) imaging techniques in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) [R. J. Hawryluk et al., Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 33, 1509 (1991)]. The poloidal mode numbers were determined by fitting the data to soft x-ray signals simulated with a wave-packet model, and the toroidal mode numbers were determined from the phase difference between the soft x-ray and ECE signals. The modes are identified as ideal ballooning modes from the observation that the identified mode numbers are much higher than that of the usual kink or tearing modes, the mode has a strong ballooning characteristic, the growth rate is consistent with the theoretical prediction, and the equilibrium is theoretically predicted to be marginal to the infinite n ballooning mode. The ballooning mode accompanies a β collapse which happens near the Troyon limit in TFTR. The ballooning mode has also been observed just before a major disruption in TFTR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of experiments have been performed on the TFTR tokamak [Wilson et al., Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research 1988 (IAEA, Vienna, 1989), Vol. 1, p. 691 ] utilizing ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) heating. Of special interest has been the insight into plasma performance gained by utilizing a different heating scheme other than the usual neutral beam injection (NBI). Utilizing ICRF heating allows control over the power deposition profile independent of the plasma fueling profile. In addition, by varying the minority concentration the power split between ion and electron heating can be varied. Confinement has been examined in high recycling gas fueled discharges, low recycling supershot plasmas, and peaked density pellet fueled discharges. Global confinement is found not to be affected by the method or localization of plasma heating,, but the calculated local diffusivities vary with the power deposition profile to yield similar global values. In addition, sawtooth stabilization observed with ICRF heating has been investigated and found to occur in qualitative agreement with theory. ICRF sawtooth stabilized discharges exhibit peaked temperature and density profiles and have a safety factor q that appears to fall well below unity on axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear 3-D simulation of sawtooth oscillations shows that the helically twisted hot spot has a prominent toroidal bulge at the large major radius side, characteristic of a high-εβp instability. This bulge drives other m/n islands just outside the mixing radius resulting in a stochastic annular region. A similar effect is also found in shaped plasmas, even at low beta. These effects agree with experimental data, giving detailed support to the Kadomtsev reconnection model. This effect can also be used to explain the experimental sawtooth heat pulse ‘‘anomaly.’’ At high εβp, the stochastic region can essentially fill the whole plasma, and can result in a ‘‘high-beta disruption.’’ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a review of what is known about fluctuations and anomalous transport processes in tokamaks. It mostly considers experimental results obtained after, and not included in, the reviews of Liewer [Nucl. Fusion 25, 543 (1985)], Robinson [in Turbulence and Anomalous Transport in Magnetized Plasmas (Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France, 1986), p. 21], and Surko [in Turbulence and Anomalous Transport in Magnetized Plasmas (Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France, 1986), p. 93]. Therefore much of the pioneering work in the field is not covered. Emphasis is placed on results where comparisons between fluctuations and transport properties have been attempted, particularly from the tokamak TEXT [Nucl. Technol./Fusion 1, 479 (1981)]. A brief comparison of experimentally measured total fluxes with the predictions of neoclassical theory demonstrates that transport is often anomalous; fluctuations are thought to be the cause.The measurements necessary to determine any such fluctuation-driven fluxes are described. The diagnostics used to measure these quantities, together with some of the statistical techniques employed to analyze the data, are outlined. In the plasma edge detailed measurements of the quantities required to directly determine the fluctuation-driven fluxes are available. The total and fluctuation-driven fluxes are compared: the result emphasizes the importance of edge turbulence. No model adequately describes all the measured properties. In the confinement region experimental observations are presently restricted to measurements of density and potential fluctuations and their correlations. Various distinct turbulence features that have been observed are described, and their characteristics compared with the predictions of various models. Correlations observed between these fluctuations and plasma transport properties are summarized. A separate section on magnetic fluctuations shows there is very little information available inside the plasma, generally... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coherent magnetohydrodynamic modes have been observed previously during neutral beam injection in the PDX tokamak [Phys. Rev. Lett. 50, 891 (1983)] and they have now been seen in the TFTR tokamak [Phys. Fluids 26, 2958 (1983)]. Periodic bursts of oscillations were detected with several plasma diagnostics, and Fokker–Planck calculations show that the populations of trapped particles in both tokamaks are sufficient to account for fishbone destabilization if a resonant interaction, between the mode and the beam ions, is assumed. Estimates of mode parameters are in reasonable agreement with the experiments, and they indicate that the fishbone mode may continue to affect the performance of intensely heated tokamaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular limiter H modes with centrally peaked density profiles have been obtained on TFTR. Diagnostics used to study these unique plasmas include arrays of Dα and C ii detectors, bolometers, and Mirnov coils; x-ray imaging, charge exchange recombination spectroscopy, ECE, microwave scattering systems, and a multichannel infrared interferometer. These diagnostics have special features which allow time and space-resolved measurements during the H-mode transition and during ELMs. Microwave scattering during the H phase shows a feature in the scattered spectrum which is consistent with a poloidal rotation in the electron diamagnetic drift direction. Mirnov coil data digitized at 2 MHz show an increase in high-frequency magnetic fluctuations (60–200 kHz) during an ELM, while ECE data show 20–30 μs intense emission spikes in the outer 15–20 cm of the plasma edge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new technique using a silicon surface barrier (SSB) diode has been developed for measuring the escaping fast ion flux from a tokamak plasma. Calibration of the detector with an ion beam showed that at a fixed energy the diode’s output current varied linearly with the incident deuteron flux. The diode was mounted inside the PDX vacuum vessel with collimating apertures designed to admit the spiraling orbits of 50-keV deuterons expelled from the plasma by MHD instabilities. Results from PDX indicated that relative measurements of the escaping fast ion flux due to several plasma instabilities could be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies full sawtooth crashes in high temperature plasmas on the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR). Asymmetry in the direction of major radius after observation of the crash with electron cyclotron emission image reconstructions; Comparison of TFTR data with two-dimensional models; Explanation for the phenomena of fast heat transfer.